Northern Victoria Livestock sale: Cattle up $300 on previous sales

Friesian cows were the highlight of the Northern Victoria Livestock biannual dairy sale which sold to up to $300 above previous sales.

Friesian cows at a mixed vendor dairy sale at the Shepparton Saleyards last year.

PRICE gains of up to $300 were seen for a large yarding of over 600 dairy cattle at the Northern Victoria Livestock biannual dairy sale in Shepparton last week.

Having pushed back the normal May sale due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Northern Victoria Livestock agent Jayden Ferrari said the cattle sold “extremely well”.

“This sale we’ve just had is the best we’ve done in the five or six years we’ve been running them,” Mr Ferrari said.

He said the heifers sold $150 to $200 dearer than previous sales and bulls were $200 to $300 dearer.

“The season has put a bit of confidence in buyers and the milk prices are okay. The season is finally looking good after two years of probably the worst years we’ve ever had,” he said.

Friesian heifers were the highlight of the sale with a line of two-year-old Friesian heifers, set to calve in late spring, selling from $1350 to a top of $1850, with several lots selling for $1600.

Ready-to-join Friesian heifers made up to $1200 and weaner Friesian heifers returned from $1000 to $1150.

Crossbred heifers weighing from 250-300kg sold from $720 to $800.

All the Friesian bulls suitable for joining sold from $2000 to $2800, averaging around $2500, while Jersey bulls sold from $1100 to $1500.

The sale also yarded several lines of milking cows from various vendors.

Fiona Rourke from Katandra sold 18 mixed breed freshly calved autumn cows which topped at $3400 twice for two Friesians.

Global Dairies also sold 23 fresh in-milk Friesians and crossbred cows to a top of $2900 and average of $2200.

Mr Ferrari said a large spread of buyers were present with cattle going to all parts of Victoria.

“The Friesian heifers went mainly south to the Western District and Gippsland. They can do six months residency with them and export them at a later date.”